Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
Harry was angry with the other two for siding with McGonagall; nevertheless,
he felt compelled to join in once they started discussing what had
happened.
“So who do you reckon Katie was supposed to give the necklace to?”
asked Ron, as they climbed the stairs to the common room.
“Goodness only knows,” said Hermione. “But whoever it was has had a
narrow escape. No one could have opened that package without touching
the necklace.”
“It could’ve been meant for loads of people,” said Harry. “Dumbledore
— the Death Eaters would love to get rid of him, he must be one of their
top targets. Or Slughorn — Dumbledore reckons Voldemort really wanted
him and they can’t be pleased that he’s sided with Dumbledore. Or —”
“Or you,” said Hermione, looking troubled.
“Couldn’t have been,” said Harry, “or Katie would’ve just turned around
in the lane and given it to me, wouldn’t she? I was behind her all the way
out of the Three Broomsticks. It would have made much more sense to deliver
the parcel outside Hogwarts, what with Filch searching everyone who
goes in and out. I wonder why Malfoy told her to take it into the castle?”
“Harry, Malfoy wasn’t in Hogsmeade!” said Hermione, actually stamping
her foot in frustration.
“He must have used an accomplice, then,” said Harry. “Crabbe or Goyle
— or, come to think of it, another Death Eater, he’ll have loads better
cronies than Crabbe and Goyle now he’s joined up —”
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks that plainly said There’s no point
arguing with him.
“Dilligrout,” said Hermione firmly as they reached the Fat Lady.
The portrait swung open to admit them to the common room. It was quite
full and smelled of damp clothing; many people seemed to have returned
from Hogsmeade early because of the bad weather. There was no buzz of
fear or speculation, however: Clearly, the news of Katie’s fate had not yet
spread.
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